TURLOCK CITY COUNCIL APPOINTS MICHAEL COOKE AS LONG-TERM CITY MANAGER

The Turlock City Council appointed Michael Cooke to remain in his position of Interim City Manager effective immediately. “It is of the utmost importance to stabilize our city government and provide a smooth transition as we navigate challenging times ahead,” said Mayor Amy Bublak.  “The city council needs to focus its attention on financial sustainability and economic development.  We are committed to creating a path for a beautiful, thriving and sustainable city with the quality of life that residents of Turlock deserve.”

Mr. Cooke is a 27-year veteran of the city of Turlock.  Prior to this appointment, he directed the Municipal Services Division of the city which oversees and manage the city’s water, wastewater and storm utilities with a staff of 70 full-time employees.

Councilmember Gil Esquer, Vice Chair representing District 2, stated, “I have the greatest confidence Michael has the experience and the history of Turlock to help guide the city through this difficult phase. We are fortunate that Mr. Cooke is willing and able to step up and serve the city at this time.”

David Huff, Water Quality Control Division Manager for the city of Turlock, will step into the Acting Director of Municipal Services position.  David has served the city since July of 2006 and graduated from the University of California, Merced with a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Engineering Technology & Environmental Technology.

“I am honored and humbled by the faith that the Turlock city council has placed in me”, stated Mr. Cooke.  “We have great challenges ahead and I am prepared to take them on with the help of our great staff and this wonderful community.  I look forward to moving Turlock from where we are now to a much brighter future."

​Michael Cooke was born near Bath in the UK. He graduated from the University of Durham, UK, in 1990 and subsequently obtained a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from National University.  Michael moved to Turlock in 1993 after marrying his wife Monica.  The Cookes have two sons, a freshman at UC Berkeley and a senior at Turlock High School.  Michael is a passionate soccer fan and former player and coach, and admits that most of his life lessons were learned on a soccer pitch.  A proud United States citizen, Michael’s favorite quote for life and leadership comes from the old U.S. Army recruitment slogan: “Be all that you can be.”